Simon Benoit's Situation With the Maple Leafs Takes an Important Step
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
We got a positive update out of Toronto's training camp on Wednesday as Simon Benoit was seen sporting a regular contact jersey as he looks to return to the ice.
Earlier in training camp, news broke that Toronto defenseman Simon Benoit had suffered an injury and would be out for the next little bit. We didn't really get any updates beyond he's expected to return shortly, and with only a couple preseason games left, he doesn't have much time to get acclimated.
Craig Berube Updates Benoit's Status -- Indirectly
Which is why during Wednesday's practice it wasn't only great to see Benoit on the ice skating with the team, but wasn't wearing the red non-contact jersey which signifies that he's one step closer to being healthy.
It was the first time he was seen in the regular practice jersey since being injured, and while previously it was a more day-to-day situation; that seems to end up disastrous for Toronto.
His absence led the way for names like Matt Benning and Ben Danford to take his spot and perform fairly well, especially in the case of Danford who provided Oliver Ekman-Larsson some much needed help solely based on where he lined up on the ice.
What Benoit's Return Means for the Leafs' Blue Line Battle
With Benoit set to return, Toronto's defense is pretty much all set for the year and the rest of the games are going to be used to see who is the best depth option in case of injuries or some severe struggles.
You've got Henry Thrun, Dakota Mermis, and Philippe Myers all vying for that depth spot, and while Benoit is likely to get a look in one of the two remaining preseason games, so too should at least one of those three.
Toronto will likely need to waive one of Myers or Thrun in order to make room for guys they can't get rid of like David Kampf and Nick Robertson, but with so many defensemen in the AHL who can step up; not to mention some on the cusp prospects, it might not be the worst end result.
Last season, Benoit had a decent year all things considered.
While his defense at times was criticized, he still managed 10 points in 78 games (1 goal, 9 assists) and added 111 blocks and 204 hits; he was exactly the type of player you'd expect from a Craig Berube lineup.
What matters now is that Benoit is on the mend and one step closer to joining the Maple Leafs. With the regular season a week away, he's doing so just in the nick of time.
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